February 14th, 2010
We frequently get emails from parents looking for a baby carrier where their baby can face forward. Recently Jennifer from Seattle emailed and wanted to know if this is possible with the Ergo Baby Carrier.
Parents that are interested in a forward facing carrier should consider why they want one. Is it because the parents assume a baby will want to see what is going on around them just as an adult does, or will a baby truly enjoy facing outward? Babies benefit from being able to make eye contact with their parent, watch their facial expressions, and social interactions. Babies that are forward facing cannot do these things.
Babies that are forward facing can also easily become overstimulated. A babies senses are raised and very aware. So much is new to them, and they still have a whole world to discover. What would seem to be a normal situation for us can actually become too much stimuli for them. Babies in forward facing carriers are unable to turn away from a busy environment and find the calming comfort of their parents face.
A baby can also sleep much easier by resting their head on your chest. A baby facing forward cannot find a stable position for their head, and their head will bob around limiting the quality of their sleep. So we cannot in good conscious recommend forward facing baby carriers. High quality baby carriers such as the Ergo Baby Carrier, Beco Baby Carrier, and BabyHawk do not support the forward facing position.
An alternative to wearing your baby facing out is using the hip carry which can be done with both the Ergo Baby Carrier, BabyHawk, and all baby slings. This is not as supportive as a two shouldered carry, but allows your baby a wider range of movement to observe the environment while still providing them the ability to turn away and find comfort from you.
Popularity: 64% [?]
Tags: babies, baby, baby carrier, Baby Carriers, baby sling, Baby Slings, babywearing, Chocolate Ergo Baby Carrier, Ergo Baby, ergo baby carrier, Ergo Baby Carriers
Posted in Ask Us a Question, Baby Carriers, Baby Slings, Ergo Baby Carriers, Frequently Asked Questions, How to Choose | No Comments »
February 9th, 2010
Yulonda recently emailed us about the fit of her Hotsling. She was concerned that she bought a size too large. She wanted to know if she washed it in hot water it would shrink to the correct size.
Since pouch sizing is very important we don’t recommend washing a baby sling to shrink it to the correct sizing. It my not shrink enough or even worse too much. If you already have a sling and want to find out if it is a good fit check out the figure below. Your sling should hang to just below your navel area. If it drapes all the way to your hips and swings as you walk, it is definitely too big and swing as you walk. A pouch will be the most comfortable when it rides high and snug on your body.
If you are still trying to determine your sizing see the chart below.
If you feel that you are in between Hotslings sizes, the new Hotslings Adjustable Pouch is great option. It adjusts with two buckles that are placed near the top of the shoulder. Simply pull on the straps to tighten the sling. The versatility of the adjustable sling allows it to be used for multiple care givers, allows nursing on the go, and accommodates postpartum body changes. It can even be adjusted while wearing your baby. Pretty cool.
Visit La Stella Blu to learn more and see all of our Hotslings.
Popularity: 80% [?]
Tags: adjustable pouch, baby sling, Baby Slings, Hotsling, Hotslings
Posted in Ask Us a Question, Baby Slings, Hotslings, Uncategorized | 1 Comment »
February 8th, 2010
Clara from Maryland just sent us an email with this question:
“Now that my son is 7 months old I absolutely love my Ergo, especially now that I don’t have to use the insert, but I have just one problem. I still struggle clicking the chest buckle closed when wearing him on my front. Is there anything I can do to make it a little easier.”
Well I have to agree that sometimes I feel like a contortionist while trying to close the chest strap of the Ergo Baby Carrier. Here is what I do to make it easier. I loosen the chest strap almost entirely. Then I hold my son to my chest while I pull the shoulder straps on. When I reach over my shoulder to grab the chest strap, I use one hand to click it into place. Having extra slack on the chest strap is what does the trick. Once it is clicked in place, tighten as much as you need to keep your baby snug and secure to your chest.
As always we love to hear from you, so send us a question at info@lastellablu.com or leave a comment below. Happy babywearing!
Popularity: 31% [?]
Tags: baby, baby carrier, Baby Carriers, Baby Slings, babywearing, ergo baby carrier, wearing instructions
Posted in Ask Us a Question, Ergo Baby Carriers, Wearing Tips | No Comments »
September 19th, 2009
It is official. We finally know what the new Ergo Baby 
is! The is a redesign of the infant insert. The new design has additional cushion at the back and bottom. This promises to support the natural curve of a baby’s spine. A healthy hip and leg position is achieved by removing weight bearing on the developing sacrum.
We can’t wait to post a review. The will be available for shipment from La Stella Blu on 9-23-09.
Popularity: 26% [?]
Tags: baby, baby carrier, baby sling, Ergo Baby, Heart 2 Heart, Parenting, parents, toddler
Posted in Ergo Baby Carriers | No Comments »
August 20th, 2009
I can’t wait for the release of the new Ergo Baby Heart 2 Heart baby carrier. Ergo Baby will unveil their newest invention at the ABC Kids Expo during Sept 13-16th, 2009. Ergo Baby promises “Keep your baby close to your heart. Heart 2 Heart, the only baby carrier you will ever need.”
What does this mean? Is this a total redesign of the Ergo Baby Carrier where the infant insert is not needed? Only a couple of weeks left until we have our answer. Check back with La Stella Blu to see the Heart 2 Heart baby carrier.
Popularity: 34% [?]
Tags: baby, baby carrier, baby sling, Ergo Baby, Heart 2 Heart, Parenting, parents, toddler
Posted in Baby Carriers, Ergo Baby Carriers | No Comments »
August 19th, 2009
Head over to Nashville, Tennessee on August 29th and 30th for the celebration of Attachment Parenting Internationals 15th anniversary. Attachment Parenting International (API) was founded to provide parents information with the goal of improving the wellbeing of children and thus the community. API continues to grow and build strong families around the world. Some of the basic tenets of API include creating a strong emotional bond between parent and child. A childs emotional needs are responded to which enables them to develop the capacity for secure, empathic, and peaceful relationships throughout their lives.
This wonderful event will feature some of the best known experts in pediatrics, medicine, psychology, anthropology, and parenting. A panel will discuss “Making an Imapact Now: Creating a Sustainable Legacy for Children”. The amazing panel includes:
- Dr. William & Martha Sears – Pediatrician, RN, & Authors
- Ina May Gaskin – Director of The Farm Midwifery Center
- Mary Ann Cahill – La Leche League International Founder
- Dr. Isabelle Fox – Author and Clinical Psychologist
- Dr. James McKenna – anthropologist and Director of the Mother-Baby Behavioral Sleep Lab at the University of Notre Dame
- Barbara Nicholson and Lysa Parker – founders of API & authors
and other special guests.
This event is a mere $10 for the general public. Other events include fundraising featuring well known performers such as Vince Gill, children’s activities, Attached at the Heart book signing, silent auction, and family fitness.
Popularity: 18% [?]
Tags: attachment parenting, baby, Parenting, parents, toddler
Posted in Events, Parenting | 1 Comment »
August 17th, 2009
Are you buying a gift for a baby shower and not sure what to get the new mom? Trying to find the perfect baby gift can be daunting. A baby carrier or baby sling is the perfect gift. It is the one piece of baby gear that will get used daily. It is the perfect gift that allows parents to get on with their lives while keeping their precious baby close and secure.
With that said there are so many types of baby carriers to choose from. Plus if you are considering a baby sling you may not know what size to buy. So that leaves you with the perfect option, a gift certificate. This allows parents to pick out exactly what they need. So check out our new gift certificates available at La Stella Blu. You can choose any dollar amount and we offer a 60 day return policy on all of our baby carriers.
Popularity: 15% [?]
Tags: babies, baby, gift certificate, mom, parents, toddler
Posted in How to Choose | No Comments »
August 13th, 2009
Do you have back problems but still want to use a baby carrier? This can be a problem for parents interested in babywearing. Slings and other one shouldered baby carriers typically are not great for those who have back problems.
So what type of carrier should you use? A two shouldered baby carrier such as a soft backpack, mei tai, or baby wrap will provide better weight distribution. The type of carrier that you choose depends upon whether your back pain is in your lower back, hips, or shoulders.
The Ergo Baby Carrier is a soft backpack buckle carrier that is one of my favorite baby carriers for even weight distribution. Weight is spread between your hips and shoulders. This helps alleviate stress on your back.
Another option is a mei tai, such as the BabyHawk. Mei tais can be tied higher on your waist to alleviate rubbing on your waist and hips.
Wraps are really great at spreading the weight well across your entire back eliminating any pressure points. They can also be tied higher on your waist to alleviate pressure on your lower back or hips. For younger babies a stretchy wrap works perfectly, but for heavier babies and toddlers a woven wrap provides the best support.
Popularity: 50% [?]
Tags: baby backpacks, Baby Carriers, Baby Slings, baby wraps, back problems, back support, Mei Tais
Posted in Baby Carriers, Ergo Baby Carriers, How to Choose, Mei Tais, Moby wraps, Slings, Wraps, babyhawk | No Comments »
August 12th, 2009
For a limited time, the Hawaiian Ergo Baby Carrier is on sale. Capture the Aloha Spirit with this amazing vintage print. Also on sale is the coordinating backpack and pouch. Visit La Stella Blu today to find all Ergo Baby Carriers and accessories.
Popularity: 38% [?]
Tags: baby, baby carrier, Baby Slings, babywearing, backpack, ergo baby carrier, hawaiian ergo baby carrier, sale
Posted in Baby Carriers Specials, Ergo Baby Carriers | No Comments »
August 10th, 2009
Swaddling your baby is a great tool for calming young babies. Once you swaddle you will be amazed at how it helps your baby settle when overstimulated and sleep longer. Below is a quick run down on the technique. Check out our Moby Wrap swaddle blankets for a great selection of organic and regular fabrics.
- Lay your blanket on a flat surface such as a bed or the floor.
- Fold down the top corner approximately 3-5 inches.
- Lay your baby on top of the blanket so that their neck rests at the top of the folded corner.
- Place your babies left arm straight down their side. Grab the left corner of the blanket and pull across your babies’ body. Tightly tuck the corner under the right side of your baby.
- Pull the bottom corner up across your baby and tuck it inside the blanket near their chest.
- Place your babies right arm straight down their side. You may have to hold it in place as you pull the right corner of the blanket across your baby.
- Pull the corner very tightly as you wrap the blanket all the way around your babies back. You may have enough fabric left to pull around to the front and tuck the end in. If this last corner is not wrapped tight enough, your baby will be able to free their hands.
Popularity: 22% [?]
Tags: babies, baby, blankets, cosleeping, moby wrap, Parenting, sleep, swaddle blanket, toddler
Posted in Moby wraps, Parenting | No Comments »